STYLESTYLE
Cristi Miller -classy, chic and comfortable
- Details
- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
When you meet Cristi Miller, the first word that comes to mind is “stylish.” Her look is classy, chic and comfortable; three words that also describe the cosmetics and accessories boutique she owns and operates, Houppette in Greenville, Delaware. Having a life-long interest in style that started while playing with Barbie Dolls and grew as she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan; Cristi says she specifically fell in love with the beauty side of the industry. When Cristi, a resident of Kennett Square, isn’t working her go to outfit is casual, jeans and a t-shirt. “I like to be relaxed on the weekends,” she says, while doing some of her favorite activities, such as cooking, gardening, entertaining and being at home with her friends and family.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
Not anyone in particular. I pay attention and look at all the trends, the red carpet events and designers but I dress based on my mood and what I like. If I had to pick someone, I would say Cindy Crawford. I admire her style, confidence and how she embraces her age.
2. Where do you shop?
I do most of my shopping locally because I like supporting the local businesses. I frequent Peter Kate and Ellie the most because they are in Greenville, where I work.
3. How often do you shop?
I shop when I need something or when I am in New York on business. It’s great to see all the trends and styles of the city.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
Everybody loves a bargain but there are some things that you just can’t live without. I tend to splurge on handbags and great costume jewelry.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
To a degree but not entirely. I like to keep up with the trends both personally and professionally but not every trend is right for every person and I believe in dressing based on what looks good on you. One trend I am not a fan of is the Boyfriend Jean.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I couldn’t tell you! I do love shoes!
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I bring in new pieces here and there to “tweak” my wardrobe. I tend to get a lot of wear out of my clothes and when they get tired, I replace them. I don’t go overboard and instead of owning 12 pairs of Jeans, I stick with 3 nice pairs.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
Yes, very much. I own a boutique so I need to look put together however I am busy so comfort is important.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I think I would buy a long, beautiful shearling coat.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazine readers?
My strategy is to shop and buy what looks good on you. You should shop for your figure and your own style. Do not worry about trends because every trend does not look good on every person.
Cindy Youngcourt - multi-faceted
- Details
- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
Cindy Youngcourt, 34, would describe her wardrobe as multi-faceted based on where she is in her day. As a business woman, she is a Client Manager at a local financial planning firm; Cindy starts her day in basic corporate attire. At the end of the work day it’s time to throw on a comfy pair of Ugg boots and velour sweats to play with her two dogs and her toddler, Izaak. However, Cindy doesn’t let her limited style choices on the weekdays get in the way of her love for fashion. “When I go out to dinner or drinks, I like to wear dramatic pieces that do not fit into my daily life-shirts with interesting details, such as sequins or low backs, knee high boots, and sweater-dresses,” she says.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
Even years later, I still enjoy watching the cast from Sex and the City in both the tv show and the movie. Their wardrobes are fabulous! Although none of their styles are totally me, I liked different things each of the girls wore. I especially loved Carrie’s accessories and funky sense of style. I also really like Michael Kors-both his casual items like jeans and his pretty, feminine tops for work.
2. Where do you shop?
Locally, I shop in Glen Mills at Banana Republic, King of Prussia, Concord and Christiana Malls. When I had the time, I liked to peruse the consignment and vintage shops on South Street. I bought a vintage velvet blazer years ago that I still really love. I also like the unique accessories at Tiger Lilli.
3. How often do you shop?
I shop around online weekly and look at the latest trends. I shop in stores a few times a month
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I love to look for bargains, especially in this economy. Retailers that never before offered coupons and discounts are now offering them. That being said, if I love something, I will buy it!
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
I like to take a few things that are current that I also personally love and flatter me and incorporate them into my wardrobe. Just because something is trendy does not mean it will work for your age, style, body type. I really love the 80s leggings and drapey tops and sleeves-the modern version that is available today is much classier than what was offered in the 80’s.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Before I had my son, I had about 50 pairs. Now that my feet have grown a size, I am slowly replenishing my shoe closet. I have about 25. I can never get enough boots in the winter and flip flops in the summer.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new
season require a new wardrobe?
I continue to wear clothes that I love and that fit me well and are made well. I try really hard to donate a few items every time I shop because my closets are stuffed. I like to add key pieces every season, but don’t replace my entire wardrobe. You can always build on classics. I have started to like to play with “pop” pieces and different accessories. I also like to pair a bright pair of shoes with an otherwise neutral outfit or add a scarf or unique bracelet or necklace.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
My job dictates that I wear business attire which is why I like to add interesting accessories; shoes, scarves. When I go home, I have been in business clothes all day and have a toddler so that usually means Uggs and a sweat outfit. I am a fan of lounge wear from Victoria’s Secret.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I hope shoes count! I would definitely purchase a really expensive pair of shoes, possibly Jimmy Choos or Manolos. The quality and workmanship that go into making these shoes are impressive; I just could never justify the price.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazinereaders?
Shopping online is a great time saver and many websites allow free or discounted return shipping. Also, always buy something that fits today and not 5 pounds from now. Any article of clothing will look more expensive and more flattering if it is tailored. E-bay is a great place for finding unique things. I have bought vintage purses and broaches that really change the look of an outfit. Always buy from buyers with positive ratings. Also, don’t be afraid to pair a bright pair of pumps with a different colored bag. Jewelry does not need to be matchy-matchy, it looks much more interesting to have coordinating pieces, not sets.
Lisa Quarnstrom- “I love vintage and the vintage lifestyle"
- Details
- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
When it comes to fashion Lisa Quarnstrom does not follow the trends and she is not going to buy something just because Hollywood is telling her it is popular, instead Lisa opts to find inspiration elsewhere. Whether it is walking the streets of Philadelphia, Montreal or New York City, she finds that the people she passes give the best ideas. Lisa adapts some of those ideas into her own wardrobe. As a bilingual media analyst at TNS Global Media, Lisa, 23, doesn’t get to display her love of fashion at the workplace, however she uses her weekends and activities as a chance to showcase her favorite outfits. While Lisa enjoys shopping in a few chain stores, her favorite pieces always come from thrift and vintage boutiques. “I love vintage and the vintage lifestyle,” she says.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
More than a particular designer or celebrity, I am inspired by the personal styles of very fashionable people I pass on the street. Witnessing others' self-assured personal expression moves me to come home and take an appraising look at my closet, or spring for something in the store that I secretly love but may have been too demure to wear otherwise. I do however get routinely inspired by mid-century European films; I'd say the closest to a style icon I have is Anna Karina, for her painfully adorable and bold fashions in many a 60s French flick.
2. Where do you shop?
My absolute favorite place to shop in West Chester is Malena's Vintage Boutique, blocks away from my apartment. I also like visiting the Woman's Exchange in town to look at their jewelry...amazingly cheap prices for delightful baubles, but it's always a crapshoot (which makes it fun). I'm also a sucker for Anthropologie and BCBG. Whenever I am in NYC, I pay a visit to Old Hollywood, a great vintage store that has excellent pinup girl styles.
3. How often do you shop?
More often than I should! I probably pop into Malena's once a week; the idea that a marvelous, one-of-a-kind piece could arrive and be gone the next day makes me nervous, so I stop in often. Browsing in my other favorite stores on lazy Saturday afternoons after a nice lunch is a pastime that I actively enjoy, too.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I'd love to say that price isn't an issue when it comes to buying something I adore, but the fact is that for a recent college graduate with loans to repay and financial responsibilities, price is an issue, so I do look for bargains. However, this is yet another reason why I love shopping in vintage stores, because you will be amazed at what you come across for what the price-tag reads. My favorite dress, the shining jewel of my closet, I got for just under 50 dollars. Bargains are not hard to come by at all if you have a keen eye about you.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
Only if I like the trend in question. I'm not one to buy into the newest look simply to fit the fad, it has to be something that I like both within the context of the trend and outside it, and that I can predict I will like for years to come. Fashion is ever-changing and dynamic, which makes it very exciting to watch on the periphery, but I only jump in the flow if I am personally motivated.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Somewhere around 40 pairs. I used to work at a lovely shoe boutique in Greenville when I was in college, and I accumulated a nice closet-full of timeless, well-made shoes which is why I rarely see the need to buy more. Purchase one pair of extra ordinate shoes and you will keep and love them for life if you treat them well.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I have clothes that date back to high school! However, I try to mix the clothes that I've had for years with new pieces or accessories so that I never get tired of the contents of my closet.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
My work doesn't necessitate an impeccable wardrobe because I rarely have contact with clients face to face; however, the lifestyle that I lead outside of the daily 9-to-5 allows me to dress to express myself, especially when attending the film-related activities with which I am involved. I truly enjoy dressing to present an old French film, say, and I consider my outfit thoughtfully.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I would buy fine leather goods. A rich leather jacket, a sumptuous leather bag, supple gloves.... I love the look, feel, and smell of very fine leather but can rarely afford it.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazine readers?
One recommendation that I'd like to share is to cultivate a good tailor or seamstress. Never mind the fact that your chances of salvaging something you may think ruined are much higher, but also I've found that a good seamstress can make fantasy changes I would like to make to a garment a reality. Also, never underestimate the power of a good scarf. I've gotten more compliments on one gorgeous brown and gold scarf than any other article of clothing I own.
